What I've been learning about Jesus.

[dream]

It's sad to me how much Jesus and the bible get's such a bad rapp. During my 20 years of reading the scriptures, I may not have a lot to offer some people but maybe there are others who would like to learn more or just agree because it is what they have found as well.

I for one believe it to be a history book of human behavior of good, bad and ugly relatable to how we live today as the past continues and what we have done has been done before and in the future they will also do what we have done and learn from us.

*******In John 1:40-42 This is John's Account. (BTW, John was Jesus' Cousin by his mother's sister Elizabeth. Elizabeth and Mary were pregnant around the same time, so Jesus and John were close in age. At that time John was considered what we would call toady, a nerd, geek or eccentric).

When Jesus met Simon, He gave him vision for who he would one day become. He did not look at his flaws or his future disloyalty. This was important as to the decisions he would make in life. Most of us can say we grew from someone who believed in us despite how we hurt them or from them knowing our weaknesses. Yet they love us anyway and would not give up on us. Even when no one else believed in us.

Jesus gave Simon a nickname that stuck with him for all history; Peter which is Greek for The Rock (Solid, Strong, Tough). From that time on that is how he saw him (read other accounts of Jesus and Peter). Not as he was, but as he would be. He had a Vision for Peter and the other men as well.

*******I work with teenagers and this is something I learned from Jesus. I refer to them as their strengths. Today I have many success stories of lives I was able to assist in their growth. One in medical school, a lawyer, A teacher and a researcher and a few others. I simply used Jesus' concept of dedicated vision for each person you come in contact with.

Anyway, I am going to continue highlighting things Jesus did as a learning tool and to show how great he is.

[RonSouther]

Jesus was great, now what is the path to becoming Christ-like? The hero worship isn't the path. It's an ego trip because your Messiah is THE best one out there even though many outstanding teachers have existed in history.

What is the path? How does one become sanctified? And have you passed through the cleansing to be able to speak from experience or is it an idea?

[sk8joyful]

Originally Posted by dream

It's sad to me how much Jesus and the bible get's such a bad rap.

I for one believe Scriptures to be a history book of human behavior
of good, bad and ugly relational to how we live today.

******I work with teenagers and this is something I learned from Jesus.
I refer to them as their strengths. Today I have many success stories of lives I was able to assist in their growth.
One in medical school, a lawyer, A teacher and a researcher and a few others.
I simply used Jesus' concept of dedicated vision for each person you come in contact with.

Anyway, I am going to continue highlighting things
Jesus did as a learning tool and to show how great he is.

THANK you soo much for having the Courage... to start this Discussion,
in a world hell-bent as ever to Crucify God/Jesus, & us Christians along with Him.

I know just what you mean. I too have worked as a nurse, plus a Counselor , as well as a Nutritionist aside serving as a missionary, and have helped people achieve goals, that many others thought "impossible" - But nothing is impossible with God.
why?
1. God/Jesus is Designer, Creator, Daddy, SAVIOR, Teacher, Best-friend, Healer, & Resurrector: of us all.

2. As His Beloved-child:
He/God that is IN me/you is INFINITELY Greater ...
(than he/man/doctor/preacher/etc. who is in the world) - Luke 24: 1-53, & 1 John 4:4

3. IN Christ, we can do all things. - Philippians 4:13, & 2 Timothy 3:16

[sk8joyful]

I wonder where DREAM (the OP) went. You-hoo, what are you dreaming... today

Anyway, I thought this Scripture fits in perfectly with your Theme here:
Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable;
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy ~
think about such things. Philippians 4:8

[Andras]

Jesus was a great teacher. He is not the problem, [some of] his followers are.

[thelightwithin]

I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.
Mohandas Gandhi

my thoughts echo this generally.

[sk8joyful]

Quote:
I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians.
Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.
Mohandas Gandhi

Originally Posted by thelightwithin

my thoughts echo this generally.

Tho that, too often, is also how I stoop to think.

THANK GOD that He doesn't see us humans that way;
or
He would have TOTALLY DESTROYED humanity off,
this Wonderful Home he made for every single of his human creations...

While on the Cross Himself, he said (as an example
for us to follow... whilst harmed by idiots): "Father,
Forgive them for they know not what they do"

We are called also to so do: atheist, agnostic, or Christian.

[dream]

Originally Posted by Andras

Jesus was a great teacher. He is not the problem, [some of] his followers are.

This is quite funny. OOPs I had to edit this as I read what you said and posted. Then I read the comic strip and thought so not cool.

[dream]

Originally Posted by sk8joyful

I wonder where DREAM (the OP) went. You-hoo, what are you dreaming... today

Anyway, I thought this Scripture fits in perfectly with your Theme here:
Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable;
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy ~
think about such things. Philippians 4:8

lol. Life took me away, you know how that is. BTW I always love your scriptures!

[dream]

Okay this is the next thought or concept I had on Jesus and of course in response to some of the posts on this thread. By following Jesus' examples is being Christ-like because your putting into practice his standards. You are right, too bad there are people who call themselves Christians but are not Christ like.

*******If you knew in advance that your girlfriend or boyfriend would cheat on you would you date still date them? If you knew a good friend would steal from you, would you never contact them again. If you knew a person at work would replace you or get you fired what would you do? If you knew you would get your heart broken, what would you do?

John 13 is the chapter describing Jesus washing the disciples feet right before he dies to tell them this is what we should do for eachother. To serve and help eachother. That's beautiful. But what gets me is this is an endearing time of saying goodbye. During these times, washing someones feet was an expression of Love.

Knowing that Judus would be the one to sell him out and to cause the chain reaction for his death. Jesus STILL washed his feet without exclusion! Then the bible states "Satan entered Judus"-this is scary, and looked Judus in the eye and said, "What you are about to do do it quickly". But I believe Jesus saw through Judus and was speaking to Satan. He is the one he has the battle with. It was a show down.

Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

*******Jesus understood that the struggles we have is not against each other but evil forces around us. That is what we should be fighting. Maybe Jesus saw the bigger picture that's why he had unconditional love even for someone he knew would treat him bad and even send him to his death.

Many people have hurt me in life and I have been bitter with some and others It would be okay if I didn't have to interact with them. From Jesus' example of forgiveness, even before the betrayal, I have learned love in action is the best remedy. It has proven a nice "torture" to people apologizing to me and even becoming nice. I also remember that I am human and hurt people myself yet expect to be accepted. Forgive me if you are one of the person's I have hurt. You deserve ultimate respect. Much Love, Dream.

Until next time...

[dream]

Please feel free to comment, I really don't mind. I love input and feedback of all kinds.

*******Trivia-What was Jesus' first recorded Miracle? In John 2 Jesus' first miracle was at a wedding banquet, where he turned water into wine. So here he was at a festive gathering and he and his mother was invited. You can sought of picture the scene and seeing the Bride and groom within the context of this region. He must have been in his early twenties as it has been calculated, he died at the age of 33. His mother expected him to do something about the fact that there was no more wine and he says, basically "why do you involve me."

But his mother won't take no for an answer as she believed so much in her son and told the servants at the wedding to do whatever her son says. For his mother, Jesus sees six large jars and tells the men to fill them with water and bring it to the Master of the Ceremony. He didn't know where the wine came from but found it very tasty praising the bridegroom for bringing the best wine until last. (Usually the best is brought first, then when the guest have had their fill, they do not realize cheap wine is then being served to them).

*******The Master of Ceremonies credits the bridegroom for this wonderful gesture of kindness. No one knows it was because of Jesus. Only the servants at the wedding and his mother. He is humble taking no credit for himself but allowing the bridegroom to shine.

I have been guilty of the very opposite. This account was a lesson on humility. I am sure in some way this has happened to you at work or with relatives or even in school. You do the work and someone else wants to take the credit. Or someone praises another person when it was really because of your efforts. There have been times I let it go, but this is hard to do. There have been times when I speak up but then I feel I look bad. So when this happens I have learned from Jesus to say nothing.

In due time there is always someone who knows the truth (like the servants at the wedding) who will take up your cause. Or the person taking the credit are eventually found out. Or if they are innocent like this bridegroom, I want them to get the credit because they are worthy of praise that is due them. This example in John 2 always impresses me about Jesus' character.

[RonSouther]

dream, we got that Jesus was a great guy...now how do you become Christ-like?

[dream]

Why do I get the impression you are really asking something else. Send me an instant message if this is in fact the case and we can speak more. As far as being Christ-like, it is all about imitating what Jesus would do. Hence the whole reason why I am posting on these scriptures.

BTW I wrote a post a month ago on how great I admired Mohammad, Mahatma Gandhi and Martian Luther King. (I'm just in love with Jesus). Feel free to highlight them if you are interested. The more we all know the better.

-Dream

[RonSouther]

Originally Posted by dream

Why do I get the impression you are really asking something else. Send me an instant message if this is in fact the case and we can speak more. As far as being Christ-like, it is all about imitating what Jesus would do. Hence the whole reason why I am posting on these scriptures.

BTW I wrote a post a month ago on how great I admired Mohammad, Mahatma Gandhi and Martian Luther King. (I'm just in love with Jesus). Feel free to highlight them if you are interested. The more we all know the better.

-Dream

Did Christ set the example of "imitating" or was he the real deal? I've never seen any reference about Christ teaching imitation as part of salvation.

Imitation is what we do when we don't know what to do. It's a cheap substitute for real transformation. The imitation is practiced...the practice becomes a habit, then out of the habit, our personality changes because we robotically act "Christlike" while inside we haven't changed at all. On the outside, it looks like we changed, while on the inside, we are still sinning as usual. Even Jesus said that to think of the sin is to sin, right? Imitation doesn't address the inner self. It's an outer practice turned into a habit.

How can I be anyone but me? How can I be Christlike at all? And why do I need to be? God created me this way and then he's saying to be like Christ instead?

To me, "salvation" is simply when we realize that to imitate is hell and to be authentically me is heaven. I'm in God's image, why isn't that good enough?

[RonSouther]

Dream, you can imitate Jesus' actions...whatever is reported in the Bible that he did, you can decide mentally to do....that's all imitation is, observing then making your mouth say the same things and your body do the same things.

What's missing is the heart. Can you imitate the heart of Jesus? I don't see where he did anything to imitate so he must have been driven by his sacred heart.

Now, how do you imitate a heart? The heart is authentic. How can authenticity be imitated except by being authentic too? But to be authentic too means to live by your heart and not imitating Jesus's, right, so you're not really imitating Jesus by being yourself.

The path is to be yourself, not to imitate....and that's an arduous path because the world will crucify you!

If you want to imitate Christ then live "truth" at all costs...not theology at all costs, but make your outer actions and words a direct match to your inner being and mind. You will be crucified by the society around you.

[dream]

Originally Posted by RonSouther

Did Christ set the example of "imitating" or was he the real deal? I've never seen any reference about Christ teaching imitation as part of salvation.

Imitation is what we do when we don't know what to do. It's a cheap substitute for real transformation. The imitation is practiced...the practice becomes a habit, then out of the habit, our personality changes because we robotically act "Christlike" while inside we haven't changed at all. On the outside, it looks like we changed, while on the inside, we are still sinning as usual. Even Jesus said that to think of the sin is to sin, right? Imitation doesn't address the inner self. It's an outer practice turned into a habit.

How can I be anyone but me? How can I be Christlike at all? And why do I need to be? God created me this way and then he's saying to be like Christ instead?

To me, "salvation" is simply when we realize that to imitate is hell and to be authentically me is heaven. I'm in God's image, why isn't that good enough?

I am happy that this is surprising to you as it is to some people. The Definition of a Christian=Christlike, an imitator of Christ. It is not just a prayer you say to be right with God it is your actions and you are right they have to come from a good source, the heart. If not you are not being Christlike therefore not a Christian. The goal is not to be Jesus but to be like him as he set an example on the earth of love and peace and how to have a close relationship with God. These are some scriptures about being Christ-like:

3 John 1:11-Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God.

1st Peter 2:21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

Phil 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Col 2: 6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith and overflowing with thankfulness.

Col 3: 13-15 Forgive as the Lord forgave you.....Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...

Luke 6:46-49 JESUS said:“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

John 15:7 JESUS said: "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

*He also says we should imitate the good in one another as well.

[dream]

Originally Posted by RonSouther

Dream, you can imitate Jesus' actions...whatever is reported in the Bible that he did, you can decide mentally to do....that's all imitation is, observing then making your mouth say the same things and your body do the same things.

What's missing is the heart. Can you imitate the heart of Jesus? I don't see where he did anything to imitate so he must have been driven by his sacred heart.

Now, how do you imitate a heart? The heart is authentic. How can authenticity be imitated except by being authentic too? But to be authentic too means to live by your heart and not imitating Jesus's, right, so you're not really imitating Jesus by being yourself.

The path is to be yourself, not to imitate....and that's an arduous path because the world will crucify you!

If you want to imitate Christ then live "truth" at all costs...not theology at all costs, but make your outer actions and words a direct match to your inner being and mind. You will be crucified by the society around you.

Thank you for your passion and the next scripture on Jesus will be inspired from what you have written here see next posting. I do want to address this sentence you wrote:"You will be crucified by the society around you."-RonSouther

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason."

*Tough words but a risk Christians take everyday.

[dream]

Inspired by RonSouther:

*******Have you ever heard of Jesus getting angry? And what would cause such a peaceful man to lay out a group of people. What I would not have given to be a fly on the wall.

Everyone knows the famous turning over of the table of money given from bribes. Jesus had an indignation to people being cheated. It was like being around the Mofia of the time and standing up for what's right!

Then there is Luke 13:31-32 He received a a message of a death threat from the Lead Council man of that region to basically get out of town or die! Jesus replied "Go tell that Fox" I said, I'm not going anywhere but continuing the work I'm doing.

Then there is the major in your face, ultimate Brave warrior Jesus, who stood up to the religious leaders of the time and Judges of the court system, single-handedly, in Matthew 23. The whole Chapter is Jesus confronting their Hypocrisy. Jesus hated Religion as well. Man made traditions that had nothing to do with God but the benefit of themselves.

He called them Brood of Vipers and Snakes! He continued laying down the law and called them Teachers of the law who were Hypocrites! He called them Blind Guides and told them the truth about themselves. But my ultimate favorite is:

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

27.“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. 28 In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

*******He goes on for a while and is in line with what Ron Souther stated. Clean the inside and not the outside to have the appearance of Righteousness. Two Chapters later they plotted to kill him. That's how angry they were.

Another reason I admire Jesus; he was brave. Sometimes you have to stand up for others or yourself when you are being taken advantage of. Even if the worst is at hand. Some of us cave in to the pressure around us. I pray that a I will always have the courage of Jesus. Thanks RonSouther for the inspiration. Happy Thanksgiving everyone I'll be traveling to NY as I so miss my family. Enjoy your holiday.

-Dream

[RonSouther]

Dream, you've sold me on Jesus....super good guy.

Now what?

Is the path to salvation the hero worship of Jesus?

Is the path to salvation authentically being Christlike?

The two are not even in the same library let alone on the same page.

The first requires you to wait for Him. The second requires you to save yourself.

And the bridge between you and Jesus is for Him to open your eyes with his teachings so that you can see what he saw. And that never comes from imitating. Habits come from imitating, not transformation.

The path, the path, the path.....you can recite all the scripture you want but the transformation is an experience, not a hero worship.

[TheJourney]

I see a lot of talk that jesus is good and we should be good like Jesus...what does that mean? What is unique to Jesus, and particular to the path of being Christ-like?

[RonSouther]

Originally Posted by TheJourney

I see a lot of talk that jesus is good and we should be good like Jesus...what does that mean? What is unique to Jesus, and particular to the path of being Christ-like?

That's my point, why isn't being our true selves, casted in God's image, enough?

Why isn't God's Will first that we should be authentic, then in our authenticity, create according to our heart and talents?

[dream]

Originally Posted by RonSouther

Dream, you've sold me on Jesus....super good guy.

Now what?

Is the path to salvation the hero worship of Jesus?

Is the path to salvation authentically being Christlike?

The two are not even in the same library let alone on the same page.

The first requires you to wait for Him. The second requires you to save yourself.

And the bridge between you and Jesus is for Him to open your eyes with his teachings so that you can see what he saw. And that never comes from imitating. Habits come from imitating, not transformation.

The path, the path, the path.....you can recite all the scripture you want but the transformation is an experience, not a hero worship.

Sorry but this thread is not on salvation but simply for those who want to know more about Jesus. On the topic of Salvation I would have to make a whole new thread or you can write one if you like.

For now I will say, I believe the second thing you said, "Is the path to salvation authentically being Christlike?" Yes. It is also what you said and experience as he set an example of how we should live. The beauty of it is it is translated uniquely through each one of us who choose to follow. Only if you choose to follow do you understand. This is walking in the shoes of Jesus. This is walking the path he walked. Yes we all have our path and you have a choice to walk the path he did or not. If you choose not to this thread makes no sense. if you choose to use him as an example of living then you walk the your path, that Jesus walked ages ago.

You can also chose to talk the path that leads to destruction as the bible describes only two. Jesus says this path is broad and he warns us that if you choose this path you will find many people on it. But the path that leads to him is narrow there are too few on it.

Matthew 7:13 & 14 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

[dream]

Originally Posted by TheJourney

I see a lot of talk that jesus is good and we should be good like Jesus...what does that mean? What is unique to Jesus, and particular to the path of being Christ-like?

Good Question. You heard the saying to know a man you must walk a mile in his shoes. Well that is the same with Jesus. Everyone is on their own path. The idea is not just that Jesus is good but that he is good enough to follow. The uniqueness is once you understand his character and that is what this thread is a character study, you can decide if you are interested in living the life Jesus did.

Jesus said he knows the way or path to heaven. He came to tell us about what it is like, how the earth came to be, what happened before the earth was made, What happens at the end of the world, the spiritual war that is happening which we do not see, while we are on earth, warnings of what and who to look out for, he explains how the body spirit and mind works, why we should care about each other and ourselves, etc. First we want to know about Jesus which is my opening to this thread. Then maybe some will want to do more work and read for themselves all the other things he explains. so it is not Just about Jesus being good. But Good enough to follow.

[dream]

*******Jesus went to trail right before he was about to die. If he had a chance to save his life, this would have been the time for him to say whatever it took but he stuck to his story. John 18:33-37 verse 33 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
34 “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”
35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”
36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

John 14:6-7 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know[b] my Father as well.

John 8:31-32 "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

*******John 8:12 "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

These are some scriptures that upset the people of his day. Even at his death he proclaimed he was from heaven and was of God. These are the mild ones. He had a hard road or Path for saying what he said and it is to be expected. It wasn't roses for Jesus to live here.

[sk8joyful]

Originally Posted by dream

By following Jesus' examples is being Christ-like
because your putting into practice his standards.

*******If you knew you would get your heart broken, what would you do?

John 13 is the chapter describing Jesus washing the disciples feet right before he dies
to tell them this is what we should do for each other. To serve and help each other. That's beautiful. But what gets me is this is an endearing time of saying goodbye. During these times, washing someones feet was an expression of Love.

Knowing that Judas would be the one to sell him out
and to cause the chain reaction for his death. Jesus STILL washed his feet without exclusion! Then the bible states "Satan entered Judus"-this is scary, and looked Judus in the eye and said, "What you are about to do do it quickly". But I believe Jesus saw through Judus and was speaking to Satan. He is the one he has the battle with. It was a show down.

Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

*******Jesus understood that the struggles we have is not against each other but evil forces around us. That is what we should be fighting. Maybe Jesus saw the bigger picture that's why he had unconditional love even for someone he knew would treat him bad and even send him to his death.

Many people have hurt me in life and I have been bitter with some and others It would be okay if I didn't have to interact with them. From Jesus' example of forgiveness, even before the betrayal, I have learned love in action is the best remedy. It has proven a nice "torture" to people apologizing to me and even becoming nice. I also remember that I am human and hurt people myself yet expect to be accepted. Forgive me if you are one of the person's I have hurt. You deserve ultimate respect. Much Love, Dream.

Until next time...

Hi there,
You asked repeatedly for feedback; but I hesitate...

In only this 1 post, you have mis-understood (as far as the Bible's original 2 languages) several points.

But you write & write... to fill some need,
from the same mistaken perspective; so keep going.

[dream]

Originally Posted by sk8joyful

Hi there,
You asked repeatedly for feedback; but I hesitate...

In only this 1 post, you have mis-understood (as far as the Bible's original 2 languages) several points.

But you write & write... to fill some need,
from the same mistaken perspective; so keep going.

Hi sk8joyful, The beauty of the scriptures is that they are rich. There is a lot to get out of this one scripture. I chose to focus on how far Jesus went to forgive. Also the language is further translated from the King James old language to the New International Version. (Using today's language). ex. Thus=hence, now, here

Feedback can be your perspective of this scripture. Please feel free to add your own as there is no wrong answer. Next I will be focusing on how Jesus treated women, using NIV version as it is a clearer and more modern language for today's readers.

[sk8joyful]

Originally Posted by dream

Hi sk8joyful,
Feedback can be your perspective of this scripture.
Please feel free to add your own as there is no wrong answer.
Next I will be focusing on how Jesus treated women,
using NIV version as it is a clearer and more modern language for today's readers.

Aside the NIV we also in our family use, by learning Greek WHAT God meant to communicate, will be much clearer.
And what I meant in my previous post.

Now true, I've only studied 9 languages thus far, & GREEK I'm just now learning... &
it is Amazing how this opens the eyes of your understanding...

[dream]

What great timing. My son's came from children's class at church and they learned about three women in the bible who Jesus helped. What a coincidence. Or was it? I'll probably do a few parts as there is a lot to cover. Part 1

*******John 4:1-26 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans).

Jesus broke racial and social barriers. It was forbidden for a Jewish man to speak to anyone outside of his race especially a woman. At the end his disciples, or followers were shocked and even asked him why he was speaking to her.The scripture goes on to tell about the conversation Jesus had with this woman. It becomes spiritual and intense until Jesus gets to the heart of the matter and asks that she bring her husband. She states she has no husband but in fact he tells her she has had five and the one she is living with, indeed is not her husband.

*******She didn't know who he was. Shocked that this complete stranger knew about her life, (amazing that he knew and no one told him) she becomes defensive and uses religious argument. He then teaches her a good lesson on religion verses the heart. That's what Jesus words are intended for. It's not about what you know or religious traditions but how you live your life. In the next chapter his confrontation of her lifestyle, she changed becoming a better person and even told everyone in her town about how she found him to be amazing.

[dream]

Part 2

*******John 8:1-11 This is a familiar story known as "the story of the adulterous woman".

The religious leaders catches a woman in the act of adultery and brings her to Jesus. In their law it is said, "such women should be stoned". In verse 6 it says they were using this question of the law and stoning her as a way to trap Jesus.

With all the commotion of the men and The woman I presume not decently dressed (as she was caught in the act), Jesus begins to write on the ground. The religions men find his behavior odd. Then in a few seconds says, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then he stooped down and started writing again with his finger.

The scriptures then say the all start to walk away, the oldest first. When they were all gone Jesus stood up and said:

Jesus:“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
Woman:“No one, sir”.
Jesus: “Then neither do I condemn you." “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

*******This scripture moves me because here were these men who were eager to stone the woman but where was the man caught in adultery. He got off scott free. He was as much responsible. And what was Jesus writing? I guess he used this time to take control of the situation to get the men thinking about what they were really requesting and that they were no more better than the woman. Funny how the oldest left first. Then what grace Jesus had on this woman as a man himself. Face to face with Jesus and there was no condemnation. No judgement or harsh words. Simply, to change your life around now that she was not going to be stoned (which there are places that still do this today). I can easily see myself in this woman and as I walk away free, be so grateful for him.

[bodi]

I don't think there's any evidence that 'Jesus' ever existed.

Convince me. I will honestly consider the best argument you can make in 1000 words or less.